Food storage container

ABSTRACT

A food storage container is provided. The food storage container includes an outer cover. The outer cover includes an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions. A sidewall extends vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion. A first handle extends from the first portion and a second handle extends from the second portion. The food storage container includes a closed mode and an open mode. The closed mode includes a connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion. The open mode includes the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar forming an eating surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/263,140, filed Dec. 4, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food storage container and, more particularly, to a food storage container that provides an eating surface.

The lunch container, also referred to as a lunch box, lunch pail or lunch kit, is used to store food to be taken anywhere. Today, lunch containers are generally made of plastic, with foam insulation, and an aluminum/vinyl interior. As a result, they're usually much better at retaining their temperature but are less rigid/protective.

Lunch containers do not provide for sanitary food consumption. When food or liquids are spilled, they seep into the lining causing odors. Further, the food within the lunch container must be removed from the container and placed on a public use surface, such as a cafeteria table.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved lunch container that provides an eating surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a food storage container comprises: an outer cover comprising an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions; a sidewall extending vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion and the middle portion, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper edge comprising a connector; and a first handle extending from the first portion and a second handle extending from the second portion, wherein the food storage container comprises a closed mode and an open mode, wherein the closed mode comprises the connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion and the open mode comprises the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed mode;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open mode;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating an insertion of an ice pack;

FIG. 4A is a top view of an embodiment of the ice pack;

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of an embodiment of the ice pack;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open mode illustrating an ice pack within a food storage container;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a transition between the open mode to the closed mode;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention in an open mode illustrating the present invention used as a tray;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes a machine washable lunch container that opens into a tray with a concealed ice sheet. The present invention provides for organized and clean food and beverage placement during transport and while eating. The vertical sides of the tray keep food from rolling or sliding off onto a public use surface at meal-time. Pairs of tucks in three locations cause the sides of the container to fold in when the zipper is closed, keeping the inside of the container clean. The concealed ice sheet maintains temperature control for refrigerated items.

The present invention allows for thorough cleansing since the lunch container is machine washable and dryable. Because the container opens to form a tray with vertical sides, food stays on the clean surface while eating. Tucks at each end of the zipper and across the center bottom outer edges of the container cause the vertical sides of the container to fold inward when the zipper is closed, thereby keeping the inside of the container clean.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 10, the present invention includes a food storage container 27. The food storage container 27 includes an outer cover 1. The outer cover 1 includes an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions. A sidewall 7 extends vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion. A first handle 5 extends from the first portion and a second handle 5 extends from the second portion. The food storage container 27 includes a closed mode and an open mode. The closed mode includes a connector 6 connecting the upper edge of the sidewall 7 at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall 7 at the second portion. The open mode includes the connector 6 detached and the outer cover 1 substantially planar forming an eating surface.

The connector 6 may include a zipper, snap buttons, a hook and loop fastener, clips, and the like. In certain embodiments, the connector 6 may create a water tight seal. For example, the connector 6 is a zipper that is disposed along a substantial portion of the upper edge of the sidewall 7. The zipper connects the upper edge of the sidewall 7 together, thereby closing the food storage container 27. In certain embodiments, the sidewall 7 portion extending from the middle portion are tucks 11. The tucks 11 may be made of additional foldable material. The tucks 11 allow the vertical sidewall 7 to fold inward when the food storage container 27 is closed.

The present invention may further include a lining 2. The lining 2 includes an outer edge. A substantial portion of the outer edge is attached to an inner surface of the outer cover 1 forming a pocket 21 a. A portion of the outer edge of the lining 2 is detached from the inner surface of the outer cover 1, forming an opening 20 into the pocket 21 a. The pocket 21 a extends over the first portion, the middle portion and the second portion. A flap 16 is secured to the inner surface of the outer cover 1. The flap 16 includes a connector 21, such as a hook and loop fastener, a snap button, magnets, and the like. The connector 21 releasably secures the flap 16 to the lining 2 and covers the opening 20 of the pocket 21 a.

The food storage container 27 may further include an insulating layer 4. Insulation 4 may be placed throughout the container 27, as well as in the handles 5 for temperature retention and cushioned comfort. The insulating layer 4 may include a material incorporating polyester fibers with a metalized, conduction-resistant film. The insulating layer 4 may be secured to the inner surface of the outer cover 1 by an insulation cover 9. The insulation cover 9 may be stitched to the inner surface of the outer cover 1 and the insulation may be disposed in between the insulation cover 9 and the outer cover 1. The insulation cover 9 aids in the easy insertion of an ice pack 22 in the pocket 21 a. The insulation cover 9 and the insulation layer 4 may be disposed within the pocket 21 a.

The present invention may further include the ice pack 22 sized to fit within the pocket 21 a in between the insulation layer 4 and the lining 2. The ice pack 22 may be disposed within a cover 25. The ice pack 22 may be easily inserted into the pocket 21 a and removed from the pocket 21 a through the opening 20. The ice pack 22 is formed of an outer casing and a liquid disposed within the outer casing. The outer casing may be made of a flexible material. The outer casing includes a first portion disposed at the first portion of the outer cover 1, a middle portion disposed at the middle portion of the outer cover 1, and a second portion disposed at the second portion of the outer cover 1. In certain embodiments, a rigid plate 23 with locking strips 24 may be secured to the middle portion of the ice pack 22. The rigid plate 23 adds additional form to the food storage container 27 and supports the food storage container 27 in an upright position when resting on a surface.

In certain embodiments, the first portion, second portion and middle portion of the ice pack 22 may be made of a rigid outer casing. In such embodiments, a first live hinge 26 secures the first portion and the middle portion of the ice pack 22 together and a second live hinge 26 secures the middle portion and the second portion of the ice pack 22 together. The live hinges 26 may bend with the outer cover 1 when the food storage container 27 is transitioning from the open mode to the closed mode.

Inside the container, a food pocket 12 with food pocket casings 13 enclosing the casing elastic 14 may be stitched in place. Also, two utensil/food loops 15 are attached inside. Reinforcement strips may back the areas of the lining 2 where the food pocket 12 and utensil/food loops 15 are attached, as well as the opening 20.

In use, the ice pack 22 is frozen until the container 27 is to be packed. The container 27 is opened to the tray position. The ice pack 22 is placed in the pocket 21 a with the rigid panel 23 disposed at the middle portion. The pocket 21 a may be closed using the flap 16 and the connector 21, securing the ice pack 22 within. The food pocket 12 holds an apple, yogurt, etc. in place because of the casing elastic 14 in the food pocket casings 13 at its top and bottom. The utensil/food loops 15 provide a similar function, providing secure placement for silverware or food. Other food items 28 and a beverage container 29 are placed on the tray over the middle portion.

To close the container 27, the handles 5 are pulled up until the zipper meets. The zipper is zipped. The vertical sidewall 16 naturally folds inward when the zipper is closed because of tucks 11 placed on each side of each end of the zipper, and also on the bottom, outside edge of the container's ends. The insulation 4 and the ice pack 22 keeps the food cool. A small pocket 19 covers the bottom end of the zipper, keeping it from raveling, and also providing decoration where the zipper extends beyond the container 27. To wash the container, the ice pack 22 is removed with the container 27 open to the tray position. The ice pack 22 may be wiped (if needed) and returned to the freezer. The container 27 may be washed in cold water and dried as needed.

The outer cover 1 and the lining 2 may be made of a fabric material. The material of the cover 1 and the lining 2 may be the same or different. The fabrics used can be solid colors, plaids and prints, calicos, or any other design. The fabrics used in the container 27 may be machine washable and dryable. The insulation 4 material may also be machine washable and dryable.

The lunch container of the present invention could be used for a variety of purposes other than transporting and consuming a meal. With the ice sheet in place, the container could be used in the food industry for transporting a small number of prepared samples to prospective customers. The present invention may be used to keep small temperature sensitive grocery items cool, such as butter, fresh yeast, cheese, or meat. The present invention may be used to keep prescriptions or over the counter medicines within the ideal temperature range when one is outside or traveling. The present invention may be used as a cooler to keep beverages cold. The present invention may be used to keep bait fresh while fishing.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage container comprising: an outer cover comprising an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions; a sidewall extending vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper edge comprising a connector; and a first handle extending from the first portion and a second handle extending from the second portion, wherein the food storage container comprises a closed mode and an open mode, wherein the closed mode comprises the connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion and the open mode comprises the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar.
 2. The food storage container of claim 1, further comprising a lining comprising an outer edge, wherein a substantial portion of the outer edge is attached to an inner surface of the outer cover forming a pocket, wherein a portion of the outer edge of the lining is detached from the inner surface of the outer cover forming an opening into the pocket.
 3. The food storage container of claim 2, wherein the pocket extends over the first portion, the middle portion and the second portion.
 4. The food storage container of claim 3, further comprising an ice pack sized to fit within the pocket.
 5. The food storage container of claim 4, wherein the ice pack is formed of an outer casing and a liquid disposed within the outer casing.
 6. The food storage container of claim 5, wherein the outer casing comprises a first portion disposed at the first portion of the outer cover, a middle portion disposed at the middle portion of the outer cover, and a second portion disposed at the second portion of the outer cover.
 7. The food storage container of claim 6, further comprising a rigid plate secured to the middle portion of the ice pack.
 8. The food storage container of claim 6, further comprising a first live hinge securing the first portion and the middle portion of the ice pack together and a second live hinge securing the middle portion and the second portion of the ice pack together.
 9. The food storage container of claim 2, further comprising an insulating layer disposed in between the lining and the outer cover.
 10. The food storage container of claim 2, further comprising a flap secured to the inner surface of the outer cover, wherein the flap comprises a connector releasably securing the flap to the lining to cover the opening of the pocket. 